Wedding Photographs Hallmark Hotel, Warrington

Bethany and Oliver’s intimate wedding at Hallmark Hotel, Warrington, was an emotional day. Bethany’s bridal prep was a relaxed affair with both of her bridesmaids on hand to entertain her beautiful daughter. A nervous Oliver arrived in his pride and joy car, which shone in the winter sun outside the doors of the Hallmark Hotel, Warrington. As the beautiful Bethany walked down the aisle with her dad and grandad, Oliver was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw his two girls. Afterwards the family were on hand to congratulate the couple as they enjoyed canapés and champagne before the wedding breakfast. The intimate wedding party lent itself to sitting around one wedding table so each guest was involved directly with the heartfelt speeches. Later on, the evening reception became a fun filled party. Love, tears, celebrations and intimacy; what a perfect day for the two of them.

This romantic wedding with gorgeous muted tones at Eaves Hall, Clitheroe, Lancashire, was just stunning. The day was all about family and fun. Enjoy a selection of the photographs from Lindsay and Paul's day. They speak for themselves and the true love shows through...

Who doesn't love a festive Christmas wedding. As we are just one week out from this Christmas, get some inspiration for your Christmas wedding here with the warm reds, glowing golds and festive greens of this beautiful styled shoot. 

We worked closely with Kelsie Matthew from Aphrodite Events who must take almost all of the credit for the inspiration for the shoot, giving us a fantastic platform to create some fabulous images. She co-ordinated with Kat from Perfect Bouquet Full Of Flowers, who dressed the fire pit with gorgeous foliage and a mistletoe wreath. The hand made fabric bunting was supplied by Something Borrowed UK.

Bespoke Celebration Cakes provided the unique yummy cake.

The models were spruced up by Chelsea Ellis - MUA hair and makeup and dressed by Amelia's Bridal Bride and Groom Wear. 

Take a pew in front of the fire and indulge in these stunning images... Happy Christmas everyone!

Who doesn't love a "Marvel"ous wedding. As you have guessed from the earlier cheesy quip, the wedding was themed but Kerry-Ann and Tom also retained the details of a more traditional wedding. The mix of styles led to a most unique and wonderful wedding. We got to know Kerry-Ann and Tom well during the preparations before the wedding and as you can judge for yourself led to some amazing images... 

We are catching up on our blog entries after a busy end of season...so...

Envision a wet, cold and rainy day. Yes, one of those when you just want to snuggle up in front of the fire, wrapped in a blanket... Well, that was what it was like on 7 October at Lester Meadows wedding venue when we did this styled shoot! Spare a thought for our gorgeous model, Jenny. She had to brave the weather in a gorgeous wedding dress supplied by Amelia's Brides, with make up by Chelsea Ellis and only a Maypole Tipi for cover! I'm sure you'll agree that the combination of the stunning styling by Aphrodite Events, the beautiful, unique macrame from Little White Attic and the autumnal wedding flowers from Black Eyed Susie floral design made for some absolutely awesome images! 

Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs Lester Meadows Wedding Photographs

The 1st of July was another hot day for Dan and Vicky's wedding. 

When we arrived at Vicky's, the preparations had been in full swing since 6.30am! As the professional hair and make up was being applied, we were able to get some great images of Vicky's wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses ensuring that the important details were captured. 

The bride, her father and the bridesmaids were chauffeur driven to the church in a beautiful vintage Jaguar. A big shout out to Classic Wedding Cars Cheshire! 

The wedding ceremony took place at Daresbury Church surrounded by their friends and family. After the ceremony they had celebratory drinks on the lawn of the vicarage hosted by Dan's dad, who happens to be the vicar! To escort their guests to the wedding reception at Walton Hall and Gardens, Vicky and Dan laid on a double decker vintage red wedding bus. What a stunning way to transport your guests!

After the BBQ wedding breakfast, there were a few surprise guest appearances from their ceilidh band and their 'supergroup' consisting of Dan, the father of the bride, the father of the groom and some close family friends. Just amazing! After the first dance and cutting the cake we left them all in full swing partying the night away to the bands! 

Here are a selection of their images from the day. I'm sure you'll agree it was great fun! 

Best wishes, Dean and Kate xx

Galapagos (36 of 43)

This is a blog of a different kind. Earlier this year we were fortunate enough to have travelled to one of the most outstanding places on this earth. A holiday of a lifetime and one to definitely tick off the bucket list!

In honour of world photo day 2017, we wanted to share some of our images with you in a different capacity as a travel photographer. As you can imagine, Dean didn’t go anywhere without his camera!

Enjoy!! #worldphotoday #neverhasadayoff

Galapagos (2 of 43) Galapagos (3 of 43) Galapagos (4 of 43) Galapagos (5 of 43) Galapagos (6 of 43) Galapagos (7 of 43) Galapagos (8 of 43) Galapagos (9 of 43) Galapagos (10 of 43) Galapagos (11 of 43) Galapagos (12 of 43) Galapagos (13 of 43) Galapagos (14 of 43) Galapagos (15 of 43) Galapagos (16 of 43) Galapagos (17 of 43) Galapagos (18 of 43) Galapagos (19 of 43) Galapagos (20 of 43) Galapagos (21 of 43) Galapagos (22 of 43) Galapagos (23 of 43) Galapagos (24 of 43) Galapagos (25 of 43) Galapagos (26 of 43) Galapagos (27 of 43) Galapagos (28 of 43) Galapagos (29 of 43) Galapagos (30 of 43) Galapagos (31 of 43) Galapagos (32 of 43) Galapagos (33 of 43) Galapagos (34 of 43) Galapagos (35 of 43) Galapagos (37 of 43) Galapagos (38 of 43) Galapagos (39 of 43) Galapagos (40 of 43) Galapagos (41 of 43) Galapagos (42 of 43) Galapagos (43 of 43)

Galapagos (1 of 43)

What more can we say than, "a simply beautiful day in Denton". Claire and Gary's special day at St. Lawrence's Church, Denton, followed by the reception at Dukinfield Golf Club was lovely.  View a selection of their photographs here. 

We would like to take the opportunity to wish Claire and Gary all the best for their future. 

Love, Dean and Kate xx

Amanda and Ian's wedding fell on perhaps the hottest days of May this year. Right from the beginning of the day the sun was blazing down on them. Preparations started at Amanda's parents' house with their two girls and her dad's renowned cooked breakfast! At midday we headed to Stockport Town Hall for their beautiful ceremony. Amanda made an entrance down the gorgeous marble staircase to meet an emotional Ian and the ceremony went perfectly even if the bride couldn't quite remember her own name!

After a short respite for photographs in the stunning town hall and a slightly traffic delayed journey in their vintage wedding car, the reception took place at Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club. The delicate pink of the decorations shone perfectly on this spring day. The celebrations commenced as the guests tried to survive the high temperatures and the balcony in the function room provided fresh air and a wonderful view. With a close up magician, chocolate fountain and sweet treats for the kids no detail was overlooked. 

The following images from the day are our highlights of the day. We sincerely hope the new Mr and Mrs Graham enjoy them…

Love, Kate and Dean xx

When we first met Sarah and Tom at Nunsmere Hall Hotel's wedding fair in 2015, we knew we couldn't wait to be a part of their wedding day. Such a fun loving couple who would be up for some fun shots on their big day. 

The day started early with bright sunshine as the girls got ready at Sarah's mum's house. The forecast was not looking good so the early morning sunshine was a welcome surprise. With Sarah, her mum, her nan and all five bridesmaids getting ready together the atmosphere at the house was frenetic and fuelled by Bucks Fizz!

We started by capturing some of the details of Sarah’s beautiful ensemble; the wedding dress, earrings and special garters! The bridesmaid’s dresses came next along with the flowers. As soon as we’d managed to capture the details in glorious sunshine, the clouds rolled in and the rain set in.

We headed off to the church to capture a somewhat damp groom with his groomsmen, who arrived in the surprise Landrover that Sarah had booked for Tom. The ceremony at St. Matthew’s Church in Buckley was beautiful and was a welcome respite to the driving rain outside.

From there Sarah and Tom headed to Nunsmere Hall, a familiar place to us as it was the venue for our very own wedding. Sarah and Tom chose to use the Hall exclusively and made the most of the large marquee at the back of the Hall. They were welcomed with umbrellas, cocktails and canapes upon arrival, which were enjoyed with their guests to the sounds of their beautiful singer in the lounge.

As the afternoon progressed the rain dried up and the clouds broke to reveal some gorgeous spring sunshine enabling us to go and ‘play’ in the gardens. Having previously spent an afternoon with Sarah and Tom at their pre-wedding shoot, they were much more relaxed in front of the camera and so were up for climbing walls, trees and bridges to get some amazing images in the early evening light.

What a fantastic day! We wish you both all the very best for your future and were privileged to share your special day with you.

Best wishes

Dean and Kate xx

Waking up on the morning of Ellie and Dan's wedding, drawing back the curtains and looking out of the window presented a dull and grey day. Having said that though, Ellie and Dan have always been the fun loving, relaxed type of couple who would not let the skies affect their day. When we arrived at the hotel, Ellie, her mum and the girls were all in good spirits as they started the hair and make up preparations and 'popped' the first champagne! Dan and his best men however were far more relaxed 'shooting pool' on their phones! 

We started capturing the day by taking photographs of Ellie's beautiful lace dress and exploring the hotel to document the key details of the day that Ellie and Dan had spent so long meticulously planning. 

Dad's first look of the gorgeous bride was such an emotional and special moment. The pride and happiness was written all over his face. 

After the ceremony the party started and the beer started flowing! At times, we were able to steal the newly married couple away to grab some special shots and managed to get outside for a brief respite. After the ceremonial cutting of the cake and the first dance, the men made the most of the break in the rain later on to smoke their celebratory cigars! 

It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your wedding, Ellie and Dan, and we wish you all the very best for the future. Thank you also for the beautiful handmade thank-you gift you gave to us. We are very humbled!

Much love,

Kate and Dean, Standring Heritage Photography. 

What started out as an extremely grey, cold, January morning, turned into one of those crisp bright days perfect for taking these beautiful images at Hazlewood Castle. Hazlewood Castle is an historic castle located near Leeds, Yorkshire with over 1000 years of history. A perfect setting for your very special day.

The day spent with this gorgeous couple provided an opportunity to try out and share new ideas with other photographers, and to incorporate and practice using our new lighting equipment to get some stunning results. Check out our images below...

Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle Hazlewood CastleWedding Photography at Hazlewood Castle

With thanks to Chris Chambers Training for organising this wonderful day. 

Competition Winners!

Our first blog entry for 2017 is still looking back to our last wedding of 2016. You may remember that last year we ran a competition where one lucky winner could win our Diamond Collection covering their full day's wedding photography. 

Hannah and Stuart were our lucky winners. Check out their gorgeous day at the end of September at Fir Grove Hotel in this wonderful slideshow...

Here's the wonderful comments from Hannah in her own words: 

"First of all, would like to say a massive thank you for all your hard work. Being the winner of your bridal photography competition in 2015 I was sceptical of what I would receive and whether you would actually turn up but how wrong could I be.

I thought when you got a wedding photographer you hired them for the day. I didn't realise quite how much contact we would have before the big day. With every meeting prior to the wedding easing our nerves each time. It gave us faith that you knew exactly what we were looking for from our pictures. Through these meetings it definitely made being photographed on our wedding day so much more relaxing as you were no longer a stranger.

You arrived at the hotel on the morning of the wedding raring and ready to go, you were fantastic with all guests and family members and handled them all with great professionalism. You seemed to be in the right place at all the right times capturing all those special moments.

When it comes to the end result and our photographs what more can I say WOW, they are absolutely gorgeous - don't know how we will narrow them down for the wedding album."

We loved being a part of Hannah and Stuart's day and wish them all the very best for their future together. xx

Here are some of the highlights. We hope you enjoy.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and successful 2017! We look forward to more wonderful moments next year.

Much love, Kate and Dean xx

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna
 

We recently had the opportunity to help out at Jenna and Richard's gorgeous wedding at Glossop Parish Church of All Saints and afterwards at Windy Harbour Farm Hotel. We were asked to concentrate on the groom's preparation, but also captured the ceremony and the lovely couple from a different perspective. Here's a few images from the day.
 

We wish Jenna and Richard all the best in their newly married life, especially as they emigrated to Australia the day after their wedding. Have a good one!
 

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna
 

Richard and Jenna
Richard and Jenna	Richard and Jenna
Richard and Jenna	Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna
 

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna

Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna Richard and Jenna
 

Richard and Jenna	Richard and Jenna
Richard and Jenna	Richard and Jenna

What a touching and emotional day Andy and Jannine’s wedding was. It was evident when we arrived at the Higher Trapp Hotel in Burnley that Jannine’s nerves were starting to show. Perhaps it was the large brandy glass that gave it away!! Despite this, the leisurely preparations with her twin sister, Clare, seemed to calm her and gave us the perfect opportunity to capture photographs of Jannine’s gorgeous dress and accessories.
 

In typical fashion, as those of you who know Andy will have expected, Andy and his two sons arrived at the venue slightly later than planned! The big question at this stage was whether the weather was going to hold out to allow the lovely couple to fulfil their dreams of getting married outside under the pagoda in the stunning gardens.   

Sunshine did prevail and the ceremony went ahead in the bright sunshine. We were able to steal a few moments with the newly married couple after the ceremony to capture some elegant shots around the pond in the grounds of the hotel as the guests enjoyed drinks on the patio.

After the wedding breakfast, guests were able to enjoy time around the casino tables playing black jack and roulette, before the band struck up and dancing commenced with the evening guests. And how could we pass up the opportunity to get some final images under the beautifully lit pagoda at night? Congratulations again to Andy and Jannine. We wish you a very happy future together.
 

Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley
 

Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley
 

Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel, Burnley
 

Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel
 

  Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel
 

  Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel   Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel  
 

Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel Andy and Jannine Higher Trapp Country Club and Hotel
 

In honour of world photo day 2016, here's a selection of some of our favourite destinations.
 

#worldphotoday
 

Jenny and Craig

Having decided to get married in France, they planned a huge celebration with all of their friends and family when they got back. Owen House Wedding Barn in Mobberley was the perfect setting for that.
 

Arriving in the beautiful sunshine in Oscar, the camper van, Jenny and Craig and their parents were greeted with prosecco flowing from the prosecco cart and canapés served in the courtyard. The bright blue skies and sunshine were perfect to enjoy an ice cream from the vintage ice cream van too!
 

The barn's rustic setting made for some great quirky shots; from the haystack to the corrugated iron backdrops.
 

Moving inside as the evening progressed, Craig and Jenny entertained their guests with their fun speeches and wait for it, Jen even serenaded her new husband with her musical speech set to Atomic Kitten, which we think left Craig speechless after that! Once the guests had enjoyed their mini fish and chips, thai curry dishes, the Gillan Edgar band struck up and the rest of the evening was spent dancing into the night.
 

It was a great pleasure and a huge amount of fun to have been part of Jenny and Craig's day. Congratulations again to the happy couple and here are a few shots from that wonderful day!
 

Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig Jenny and Craig
 

For those of you that are familiar with the BBC2 series, Peaky Blinders, you will recognise this absolutely stunning venue from series 3: Arley Hall and Gardens.
 

Michelle and Mike chose to get married here as they have a long intertwined history with this beautiful venue, not least because it was where Mike 'popped the question' to Michelle.
 

Unfortunately, their plans to get married in the gorgeous herbaceous border were foiled by the weather but the Crook Barn was decorated in a delicate and rustic way to ensure that Michelle and Mike had the perfect setting for their ceremony. After the ceremony, the natural nerves disappeared and they dodged the puddles to make their way up to the grand hall for the champagne reception. 
 

After the congratulations from friends and family, and a number of group photographs, Michelle and Mike hosted afternoon tea in the dining room incorporating a few thanks you's but keeping the speeches concise! During a rare break in the English weather, we were able to get Michelle and Mike outside to get some evening images in the herbaceous border and in front of the hall's imposing facade.
 

A surprise 'flash dance' telling the story of their relationship, which was organised by Michelle's daughter, set up the party atmosphere for the evening celebrations in the Olympia suite, topped off with a 4 piece jazz band and hog roast.

Luckily, the weather did not ruin what turned out to be a most lovely day and we were honoured to be a part of it.  Here's some of the images from their special day. Congratulations again, Michelle and Mike!
 

A recent trip to The National Museum of Ireland Country Life, while we were visiting Castlebar, County Mayo, for our family reunion, got me thinking about how traditions compare to modern wedding.

Irish Museum of Country Lifehttp://www.museum.ie/Country-Life

The Wedding Day

Ireland’s history of poverty in the 1800s meant that weddings had their own simple traditions. The most popular day to be married was a Sunday, not like today’s tradition of marrying on a Saturday. Sunday was the day when the working week was done and people were free to attend the simple marriage ceremonies that were available at the time.

As the decades and years rolled by and as the Catholic religion developed and reasserted itself in Ireland, the choice of Sunday became frowned upon as it was often seen as a mark of disrespect. Similarly, it became unusual for a couple to be wed in May as this was the traditional start of summer.

The Entertainment

One of the most eccentric traditions was the Straw Boys. They’re most often described as an exceptionally odd bunch of party crashers! They would suddenly appear at a wedding, usually uninvited, and dance with the bride and groom before disappearing.  Keeping their identity concealed behind stylised hats made of straw was where they got their name. Some modern day weddings in the Achill Island area (northwest County Mayo) still have Straw Boys attending the wedding, but it may well be slightly more pre-planned than in days gone by. Entertainment at modern weddings is far more wide ranging. Whilst the usual eating, drinking and general merriment continues, we have a much more broad range of options available; from singers and bands to magicians, casinos to caricaturists. The choice is yours! 

The Dowry

The bride often brought with her the Dowry Chest, containing the bride's clothes, some of which were especially embroidered by herself or relatives. She also brought special bedding for the marriage bed. Sometimes she also included a christening gowns and wake sheet to cover all eventualities in family life. After the wedding, the bride moved in with her husband and usually with the husband's parents too. Her Dowry chest came too and these belongings established her place within the home. Often this caused friction with the mother in law as it had been her domain until then. 

These days brides and grooms are usually much more established in their own homes and with the dowry now obsolete family and friends put a huge amount of thought into their gifts. 

The Dress

Brides didn’t spend out on extravagant dresses for their wedding day. The more prosperous brides wore a more special white costume on her wedding day, more akin to the white gowns worn today. Poorer brides wore their Sunday Best, which they would then wear again on special occasions long after the ceremony. How sensible is that! How many of us would want to wear their wedding dress again... If you do, have you thought about the new and upcoming trend of trash the dress. Are you brave enough?!

The Claddagh

The Claddagh ring represents love, loyalty and friendship (the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty). It was first produced in the 17th century and originates from the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located outside the old city walls of Galway. Wedding rings are a tradition that goes back many centuries in lots of nations. Some suggest it's because it's a never ending circle representing eternity. Wedding rings are still a strong symbol used in weddings today.  

There are some many wedding traditions these days but have you ever stopped to think about where they came from. 

What traditional elements are you planning on featuring at your wedding?  

What a wonderful day spent with Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory in April! Luckily the weather held out at this stunning venue and there was only a passing April shower. Alison and Luke looked absolutely wonderful on the day and were willing to take part in some fun and more unusual shots, including rowing around the lake in the sunshine!
 

Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory Alison and Luke at Hodsock Priory

Thanks to James Davies and Doug Chinnery for arranging the event. 

We often take our holiday in March. Not only is this because it is around our own wedding anniversary, but it’s also just before the wedding season starts with a vengeance so we come back raring to go. This year we had a fabulous and very relaxing time at Secrets St. James in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
 

As ever, the camera is never very far away. Here’s some highlights (including some of the stunning beach front weddings) to make you all very jealous …
 

Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club

We recently met with Ellie and Dan on a fairly bright, but not quite sunny afternoon, to shoot their pre-wedding session at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club. They will be getting married here in January 2017. 
 

They brought along their son Joshua and the dog, Charlie to take part. Thinking of the old adage; “Never work with children or animals” we came prepared with a bubble machine to keep at least one of them entertained! 

Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club

Ellie admitted she is not used to having her photograph taken professionally so was a little nervous at the start but as she relaxed more, we had great fun finding some beautiful corners within the hotel and making the most of the natural light. Of course, Dan was a real natural at posing! 

As Ellie discovered, a pre-wedding shoot can really put you at ease before your wedding day. Not only do you get additional photographs, you also get chance to experience working with us before your big day, which will put you at ease and help us get to know what you like. 

Below are more examples of the fun day we had together.

Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club Ellie and Dan at Wrightington Hotel and Country Club

If so, we have the perfect wedding venue in mind that’s unique and unusual.

How do you fancy getting married underground?!

After a recent trip there, we discovered that Treak Cliff Cavern offer an amazing chance to get married in a cave, surrounded by stunning Blue John in the candlelit “witches chamber”. Treak Cliff Cavern is the only place known in the world where you can find Blue John stone running like veins through the limestone rock.

There are some wonderful photographic opportunities to have your picture taken both inside the cave and outside in the beautiful backdrop of the Peak District hills and valleys.

Having spent time shooting photographs in more than one cave, we have the experience to ensure that your photographs capture this exceptional setting on your most special day.

What started out as a really dull day in Manchester (I know, some of you will say when is it ever any different) turned into an amazing experience. After the initial meet and greet, Brett shared some of his work and discussed his thoughts on processes and techniques for achieving similar lighting results. We then headed over to the Lowry at Salford Quays where the models were ready and raring to go!

Starting outside with the moody grey skies, we took a few shots outside of the Lowry leading me to spot some usual backdrops.

Once the sun broke through the clouds it presented the perfect opportunity to light up the models in the rays of light streaming from the sky!

Moving inside and keeping Brett’s tips in the forefront of our minds, it gave us an opportunity to capture the more sultry, reflective moments with the models ensuring that we balanced the ambient light with the speed light.

Such a great day using some fabulous techniques whilst remaining true to the genuine style of Standing Heritage Photography!

Thanks to Brett Harkness Photography Training, Make-up by Hayley Stott, Novaks Exclusive Bridal Lounge and Nemesis Models - Oscar & Sandra.

Cheers, Dean